Prepare for Pressing

1. To split the flower, insert knife tip half way down calyx. Draw the knife blade down through the center of the calyx and stem. Position the knife tip back at beginning of cut and draw up through the petals, keeping the halves as even as possible.
2. Gather the petals together from one half and pull away from the calyx. Repeat with the second half of flower.
3. Cut across the shanks of the petals and discard the "tails." Save the Calyx and stems.
4. Arrange the petals on a sheet of paper in rows so they do not touch. Discard any petals that are too small or too creased to be useful. Cover Petals with a second sheet. Place petal "sandwiches" in phone book press.
5. From each half of the calyx scrape out any remaining residue from petals. If the stem breaks away, press it separately. It can be glued back later. Arrange the calyx halves on paper, cover, and place in phone book press. Petals and calyx will dry in three to ten days, depending on humidity and temperature.